What is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the phrase homeless person? After you remove all technicalities and proper definitions that describe them as a people without a permanent residing place; What do you see? Heedlessly, a glance at a homeless person creates images of a person that is: ambition-less, hopeless, and strung out or intoxicated. However, In Margaret Morton’s ,The Tunnel: The Underground Homeless of New York City, a newly outlook on homeless people are presented. Morton takes you through the underskirts of New York City in which you experience the various lifestyles, peculiar mindsets, and exquisite projects the homeless forego.
When you think homeless, you automatically connect a person sleeping in the most run down place possible. Although, in the first few pages of Morton’s book, you find that is not always the case. Of course, there are some that choose to find the closest area that will bring some warmth and protection from bad weather conditions. Yet, here you find a man by the name of Bob who locates a vacant house. He constructs a room of his own with numerous items he finds around the city dumpsters. The items that he finds blow the minds of his partners because they never thought to create such a homely feel to an abandoned area. As the good saying says, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Secondly, the mindset pertaining to the way the mind of someone who lives below must not be degraded. First off, Bob used to live in the same area as some of the ordinary people he came in contact with on the street, which shows that they are not at a lower level as you. Second, a total scheme was put together in order for everyone to work collectively accomplish a common ground. Those who brought ruckus to the group were left behind. You are always given a choice; cooperate and grow with the group, or battle addictions that bring trouble. Everyone has their own inner conflict just as you do.
Lastly, the homeless completed countless tasks to stay grounded. Most woke up early in the morning to begin their tasks. Just as you and I wake for school or work; they did the same. Can collection and food exploration were the most popular jobs that could absorb a day entirely. Imagine the amount of cans it takes to amount to five dollars or the countless bins scavenged through for a decent snack. Once they receive a decent earning, they spend it just like you do a check. Although, their choice usually impacts their health positively, with a meal, or negatively, with their next hit.
Morton eliminates accusations of homeless people will express. As you follow through the lives of these people, you see that some had traumatic events that caused them to fall. While others had ordinary lives and were just seeking for a sense of purpose. Both ways led them to the same place of the tunnel.